This paper analyses an English text in ternlS of major English text patterns, general-specific, claim-counterclainl/hypothetical-real and problem-solution, by making use of 'signaling vocabulary' that has the role of indicating the functional segments of the patterns. The results, by supporting a discourse role of signaling vocabulary, exhibited a mix of the three patterns, with some kind of a variation from a typical pattern, in the overall and subordinate structures. At the same time the analysis made clear that some vocabulary items, such as superordinates and advance labels, have a discourse marking role and help create the text patterns. The results suggest discourse-based vocabulary teaching can be used for raising students' awareness of English text patterns.